City of Manhattan Beach

SECTION III - FEDERAL AWARD FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS Reference Number: 2025-001 Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards Presentation Significant Deficiency and Noncompliance Condition The audit found that the City did not include a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) award, assistance listing number 97.036, totaling $101,355, on the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA). The FEMA funds were obligated during fiscal year 2025, after the related expenditures had been incurred and approved, so they should have been reported on the SEFA for the June 30, 2025 year-end audit according to the Office of Management and Budget Compliance Supplement. Consequently, the total federal expenditures were initially reported as less than the actual amount. Criteria All federal awards, including those provided by FEMA, must be reported on the SEFA. According to 2 CFR Section 200.510 (b) of the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (“Uniform Guidance”), the auditee must prepare a schedule of expenditures of federal awards for the period covered by the auditee’s financial statements. This schedule must include all federal awards expended as defined in 2 CFR section 200.502. Excluding federal awards from this reporting may result in noncompliance with federal regulations and audit requirements. Cause The exclusion of the FEMA award from the SEFA was due to a misrepresentation of the reporting requirements for federal disaster assistance. Effect or Potential Effect Omitting any federal awards from the SEFA can result in the failure to recognize when a single audit is required, potentially leading to the City missing this crucial audit. Without a complete SEFA and the associated single audit, there is a heightened risk of noncompliance with federal regulations, which may jeopardize the City’s eligibility for future federal funding. Additionally, the absence of a single audit increases the likelihood that mismanagement or misuse of federal funds remain undetected. Federal agencies may also respond by imposing sanctions or demanding repayment of any costs deemed questionable due to incomplete reporting and lack of proper oversight. Recommendation It is recommend that the City: Review and update policies and procedures for identifying, recording, and reporting all federal awards, including disaster assistance. Implement a formal review process to ensure completeness and accuracy of the SEFA prior to submission and annual audit engagement. Consult with external auditors or grant specialists when uncertainty exists regarding the inclusion of specific awards. Management’s Response The expenditure occurred in calendar year 2020 and 2021. Since these funds were emergency funds, no deferred revenue was accrued since staff was uncertain of whether costs would be eligible for reimbursement. Final revenues of $101,355 were received in FY2025, and staff recorded the revenue received on the SEFA, but not the expenditure. Going forward, staff will report expenditures on the SEFA when eligible expenditures are approved by FEMA.